This image depicts a representative example of artificial bait referred to as a breakaway jig, which was one of the two gear types compared during the tarpon catch-and-release mortality study in Boca Grande Pass from 2002 to 2004. Jig heads typically weighed 4 to 6 ounces. Red jig heads were the most common color used, but anglers also used yellow, white and nonpainted lead jig heads. Size and color patterns of the plastic shad tails also varied.

Image Credit: FWC

FWC Facts:The Gulf sturgeon spawns 140 miles upstream from the mouth of the Suwannee River, one of the last pristine rivers with no dams to bar its path.